Lillian Hellman

Lillian Hellman was a renowned playwright and screenwriter. Her first play, "The Children's Hour" was a huge success. It was followed by a series of hit plays and movies including "Watch on the Rhine" and "The Little Foxes." Hellman was under scrutiny by the House Committee on Un-American Activities during the late-1940s and early 1950's for perceived Communist-leaning views. She was accused of associating with Communists and for contributing to Communist causes. Hellman's love interest over the years was another writer, Dashell Hammett, who was an avowed Communist. Records were kept on Hellman and many others during this time. Her official file contained information about meetings she attended and comments she made—all seen through the lens of paranoia and suspicion. Hellman's name was on the infamous "blacklist" which contained the names of domestic Communists and those expected of having ties to the Communist Party...